By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
The Moapa Valley Fire District (MVFD) recognized six community members who were instrumental in making the vaccination clinics earlier this year a success durinng a meeeting held Monday, June 14.
“We really could not have done anything we were able to accomplish without these people,” said MVFD Fire Chief Stephen Neel. “They are heroes!”
Those honored included a number of members of the Moapa Valley Revitalization Project including its President and Co-Creator Mary Kaye Washburn, Shana Munn, Larry Griffiths and Mary Sue Griffiths. In addition, members of the Overton Senior Center were also recognized for coordinating and hosting the clinics at the center. These included the Senior Center Director Cindy Marino and Ruthann Gilbert.
“I appreciate the honor,” said MVRP President Mary Kay Washburn. “But we were not expecting recognition for what we did. We were doing it because we love our community.”
The awarding of the certificates included a brief ceremony held during the MVFD Board Meeting at the Overton Fire Station #74. Only the awardees and local MVFD leaders were present for the ceremony, though the board meetings are open to the public.
The vaccination clinics began on January 25, 2021 at the local Senior Center. A second clinic was held on February 1 at the Senior Center with better results and a smooth operation. The first two clinics were for the elderly and front-line workers only.
A third clinic was held for Moapa Valley educators on February 6 at the Clark County Fairgrounds parking lot. Two more drive-thru clinics were held in February.
“Everything was on last-minute notice and plans were open to change often depending on the availability of the vaccinations and supplies,” said Neel. “These community members were able to make the changes and provide the huge help we needed. We appreciate them and knew they deserve this honor.”
